Florida: Redistricting Plan Moves to the Senate

The GOP-controlled Florida state House passed a Congressional redistricting map today, moving the Republican-friendly lines one step closer to becoming law.

The map passed by a margin of 80 to 37. The lines are identical to the version passed out of the House Redistricting Committee that solidifies the substantial GOP advantage in the delegation. The map can be seen here and is expected to pass the state Senate and be signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott (R) soon.

The map that is likely to become law caused a game of musical chairs this week, as Members began to decide in which district they would run.

Democrats, who are likely to pick up only a few seats under the new map, are certain to sue over the lines. They believe it violates a 2010 state constitutional amendment, enacted by popular vote and shorthanded as Fair Districts, that prohibits Congressional lines from being drawn with “the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent.”

“[T]he maps passed today by the Florida House are unconstitutional, pure and simple,” Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Scott Arceneaux said in a statement. “They represent just the type of partisan gerrymandering and incumbent protection voters rejected in 2010. We have no doubt that the Florida courts will ultimately step in to protect the constitutional rights of every Floridian and throw out these maps.”